05/31/2026
๐๐ซ. ๐๐ญ. ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ง๐จ๐ซ: ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐, ๐๐จ๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง
As many Muslim leaders and families across Indiana concluded the blessed days of Eid al-Adha last night, our community was disappointed to witness hateful statements about Islam from Indianaโs Lieutenant Governor during one of the most sacred holidays observed by nearly two billion Muslims around the world, including thousands of Muslim Hoosiers.
Eid al-Adha commemorates the legacy of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him), a figure revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike for his sacrifice, kindness, and hospitality. It is a time dedicated to faith, sacrifice, compassion, family, and service to the vulnerable ones in our communities.
Mr. Lt. Governor, our response to these statements is not found in anger or outrage. Our response is found in the everyday contributions of Muslim Hoosiers who are inspired by the Islam you hate.
It is found in the Muslim doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals caring for patients across our state. It is found in Muslim law enforcement officers working to keep our communities safe. It is found in Muslim teachers educating our children, engineers building and maintaining our infrastructure, business owners creating jobs and investing millions of dollars into Indianaโs economy, and volunteers serving in food pantries, shelters, and charitable organizations that support Hoosier families facing hardship.
I do not mention these contributions to seek validation or appreciation. Service to our neighbors is simply what we believe we are called to do as Muslims.
At the same time, words spoken by elected officials carry weight. They can shape public attitudes, deepen divisions, and in some cases contribute to an environment where communities feel threatened or targeted. As a result, many Muslim communities and houses of worship will be forced to exercise increased vigilance regarding the safety and security of their congregations.
Equally important, these statements do not reflect the teachings of Jesus (peace be upon him), nor do they represent the values of Christianity at its best. They stand in opposition to the principles of human dignity, compassion, and love of neighbor that people of faith share across religious traditions.
In the coming days, we will continue working closely with leaders from across government, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and civil society to address rhetoric that undermines the constitutional principles of religious liberty and equal citizenship upon which our nation was founded.
Our response will not be emotional, reactionary, or divisive. We will not allow ourselves to be pulled into the politics of hostility and provocation.
To the Muslim community, my message is simple: let us respond by serving Indiana even more as the Qurโan teaches: โRepel evil with what is betterโฆโ (41:34).
Let us deepen our compassion. Let us strengthen our service. Let us continue addressing the challenges facing our communities, including gun violence, substance abuse, food insecurity, access to healthcare, educational achievement, and youth development.
Let us continue serving our neighbors regardless of their faith, race, background, or political affiliation.
I am especially grateful for the countless allies and partners who have stood alongside the Muslim community throughout the years. The relationships we have built across faith traditions, government institutions, educational organizations, and community groups were not built overnight. They are the result of years of trust, collaboration, and shared service.
Today, those bridges remain strong, and for that we are deeply thankful.
Hatred may seek to divide us, but service will continue to unite us. We remain committed to building a stronger, safer, and more compassionate Indiana for all.
๐ฐ๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐. ๐จ๐๐๐๐
๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐
